Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Neural Circuit Recording from an Intact Cockroach Nervous System

Neural Circuit Recording from an Intact Cockroach Nervous System

Published on: November 4, 2013

A wasp manipulates neuronal activity in the sub-esophageal ganglion to decrease the drive for walking in its

Ram Gal¹, Frederic Libersat

¹Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er-Sheva, Israel. galra@bgu.ac.il

|April 13, 2010

Summary

The Jewel Wasp manipulates cockroach walking behavior by injecting venom into the sub-esophageal ganglion (SEG). This neurotoxin reduces neuronal activity, making the cockroach docile and unable to initiate walking.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Neural strategies in parasitic manipulation.

Trends in parasitology·2025

Same author

Parasitoid wasp venom re-programs host behavior through downmodulation of brain central complex activity and motor output.

The Journal of experimental biology·2023

Same author

Suppression of host nocifensive behavior by parasitoid wasp venom.

Frontiers in physiology·2022

Same author

Parasitoid wasp venom manipulates host innate behavior via subtype-specific dopamine receptor activation.

The Journal of experimental biology·2022

Same author

Why behavioral neuroscience still needs diversity?: A curious case of a persistent need.

Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews·2020

Same author

On the Role of the Head Ganglia in Posture and Walking in Insects.

Frontiers in physiology·2020

Area of Science:

Neurobiology
Insect Behavior
Parasitology

Background:

The Jewel Wasp parasitizes cockroaches, using them as hosts for its offspring.
Wasp venom targets the cockroach's central nervous system, specifically the cerebral ganglia.
Stung cockroaches become docile and lose the ability to initiate walking, acting like 'zombies'.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify the specific neuronal mechanism behind the Jewel Wasp's manipulation of cockroach locomotion.
To investigate the role of the sub-esophageal ganglion (SEG) in controlling walking behavior.
To understand how wasp venom affects neuronal activity in the SEG.

Main Methods:

Behavioral assays to observe cockroach walking.
Neuro-pharmacological studies using sodium channel blockers.

More Related Videos

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Published on: April 13, 2011

Extracellular Wire Tetrode Recording in Brain of Freely Walking Insects

Extracellular Wire Tetrode Recording in Brain of Freely Walking Insects

Published on: April 1, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Neural Circuit Recording from an Intact Cockroach Nervous System

Neural Circuit Recording from an Intact Cockroach Nervous System

Published on: November 4, 2013

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Published on: April 13, 2011

Extracellular Wire Tetrode Recording in Brain of Freely Walking Insects

Extracellular Wire Tetrode Recording in Brain of Freely Walking Insects

Published on: April 1, 2014

Electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity in the SEG.

Surgical manipulation of the SEG and venom injection experiments.

Main Results:

Surgical removal of the SEG significantly increased wasp stinging duration, indicating targeted manipulation.
Procaine injection into the SEG reversibly reduced cockroach walking.
Direct injection of wasp venom into the SEG mimicked the effects of natural stinging.
Neuronal activity in the SEG was significantly decreased in stung cockroaches.

Conclusions:

The sub-esophageal ganglion (SEG) is the primary neuronal target for the Jewel Wasp's venom-induced behavioral manipulation.
The venom disrupts normal SEG function, reducing neuronal output that drives locomotion.
This targeted neurochemical attack allows the wasp to control the cockroach's walking behavior without affecting other functions.